Chapter 54: Huangpu City

Chapter 54: Huangpu City

Early the next morning, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated Lin City, Lin Langtian was already on his way to meet Lin Mo at his bamboo lodge in the Symbol Master Guild. Standing beside Lin Mo was a woman in a luxurious golden gown—none other than Jin Xing.

Lin Mo nodded in acknowledgment of Lin Langtian's arrival and exchanged a few words with him before instructing him to follow along. Together, the three of them headed toward a large courtyard nearby.

Upon entering, Lin Langtian saw over a dozen young Symbol Masters assembled there, clearly the group chosen for the upcoming Tower Battle. When they saw him, their expressions turned to surprise. They recognized Lin Langtian immediately, but they were puzzled—wasn't this group meant to go to Huangpu City for the Tower Battle? Why was the renowned Lin Langtian here with them?

Noticing the confusion, Lin Mo didn't delay an explanation. "Langtian will be joining us this time in the Tower Battle," he stated calmly.

"What?"

The group was stunned. Lin Langtian, the Lin family's most gifted young talent, joining a Tower Battle? Wasn't he known for cultivating Yuan Power? How could he also be a skilled Symbol Master—and they had never heard of this!

Lin Mo offered no further explanation. After witnessing Lin Langtian's Symbol Master abilities the previous day, he was confident that only Jin Xing, among the group, could possibly outperform him. Perhaps Langtian's addition to the team would bring the Lin City Symbol Master Guild some unexpected advantages.

The others exchanged looks, but no one dared voice any objections. Lin Mo was their Guild President, and Lin Langtian's reputation was practically legendary. Besides, some among them were members of the Lin family and held him in high regard.

"Alright, if everyone's ready, let's be on our way," Lin Mo said, waving his hand. The group boarded their designated carriage, heading toward Huangpu City.

The journey between Lin City and Huangpu City was not short, as Huangpu City lay in the Da Xuan region, adjacent to Lin City's Da Yan region, but separated by a significant distance. To Lin Langtian's surprise, Lin Mo arranged for him to share a carriage with Jin Xing.

With a subtle fragrance drifting over from her direction, Lin Langtian couldn't help but smile wryly to himself. Jin Xing was undeniably beautiful, if rather cold. But with such an enchanting companion, the journey seemed less tedious.

Glancing at Langtian, who sat with his eyes closed in meditation, Jin Xing's guarded demeanor softened, and curiosity sparkled in her eyes. Although she was usually unapproachable, she couldn't help but be intrigued by one of Da Yan's most famous prodigies.

Recalling her conversation with her teacher, she spoke up. "Langtian, when did you start cultivating spiritual power?"

"Hmm… the exact time?" Langtian mused, eyes still closed. "I can't remember precisely. It was about the time I became Enforcement Elder and took an interest in spiritual power. I found a Symbol Master manual at the guild and began learning."

"Which means… it's been less than a year…" Jin Xing's expression shifted, her shock evident. She had trained for over a decade to reach her level as a low-level Spirit Symbol Master. Lin Langtian, however, had managed to close in on her position in only a year's time.

"Is this… the power of a top-level prodigy?" she wondered. Her initial thoughts about her own talent, which she'd always considered strong enough to rival that of elite prodigies, began to feel misguided. Lin Langtian had even surpassed her expectations in spiritual prowess, outshining her across all fronts.

Sighing inwardly, Jin Xing looked at him with a newfound respect, devoid of her previous aloofness. She realized that even in spiritual power, he would eventually catch up to her.

"Langtian, do you know why our Lin City and Huangpu City, in different regions, engage in these Tower Battles?"

After regaining her composure, Jin Xing wanted to establish a friendly rapport, so she casually introduced the topic.

"Oh? Is there a particular reason behind it?" Langtian opened his eyes, intrigued. It struck him as odd that Huangpu City, despite being one of the Great Yan Dynasty's major families, would clash with Lin City over a Symbol Master Tower.

"This goes back a long time," Jin Xing said thoughtfully. "The Lin City Symbol Master Tower doesn't entirely belong to us. Its origins involve the Huangpu family, or rather, a particular person from the Huangpu family."

"Oh? What's the story?" Langtian asked.

"Teacher once told me that the Lin City Symbol Master Tower was originally created by a couple—the husband was from the Lin family, and the wife was a highly skilled female Symbol Master from the Huangpu family. Both were advanced Spirit Symbol Masters and spent decades using their spiritual energy to build the tower. It was one of the finest in the entire Great Yan Dynasty.

"However, their relationship deteriorated over time, and they ultimately separated in old age. After the separation, the Huangpu family argued that they had a claim to the tower and insisted that it be moved periodically to Huangpu City. The Lin City guild disagreed, so they adopted the Tower Battle format, a popular approach in the Great Yan Dynasty."

"I see…" Langtian shook his head, amused. He hadn't expected such a complicated backstory for the Tower Battle.

"Also, Langtian, there's someone you need to be cautious of if you encounter them during the battle."

"Oh?" Seeing the serious look on Jin Xing's face, Langtian tapped his knee thoughtfully. "And who might that be?"

"Hegu Grandmaster's disciple from the imperial capital, Ling Quan…" Jin Xing's expression turned wary as she spoke.

"Hegu Grandmaster's disciple, Ling Quan?" Langtian's brow furrowed. "Isn't the Tower Battle restricted to Symbol Masters from each city? How is an imperial disciple allowed?"

Jin Xing shook her head with a wry smile. "Though Ling Quan is Hegu Grandmaster's disciple, he was born in Huangpu City and is technically a resident. It's rumored that Huangpu City's guild has been desperate to win and has been trying to recruit Ling Quan. If they succeed, Lin City's guild could face quite the challenge."

"What's his level?" Langtian asked.

"I don't know specifics, but I've heard he became a low-level Spirit Symbol Master over a year ago," Jin Xing replied, her voice serious. She'd just reached that level herself and knew the gap between her and Ling Quan wasn't small.

"Ling Quan…" Langtian repeated, a slight smile curving his lips. The mention of Ling Quan had only piqued his interest in the Tower Battle.

Seeing Langtian's expression, Jin Xing blinked in surprise. He looked entirely confident, his expression almost hinting at certainty of victory.

The three days of travel passed quickly as they chatted, and soon, the caravan approached the towering, majestic walls of Huangpu City. The guards at the city gate, spotting the Lin City symbol on the carriages, quickly allowed them entry. The caravan slowly made its way through a dimly lit gate tunnel, eventually stopping outside an inn.

Standing before the group, Lin Mo announced with a serious tone, "Let's settle in here and rest. In three days… we battle for the tower!"

(End of Chapter)